The PlayStation 3 is a solid system with a plethora of great games to experience, including a robust lineup of multiplayer titles. There’s just one problem: Sony’s last-gen console doesn’t ship with a gaming headset. How are you supposed to coordinate with your buddies in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Battlefield 4 if you can’t even talk to them and strategize a plan of attack? The lack of a headset is a grave injustice that must be corrected.
Lucky for you, there’s a whole bunch of affordable headsets out there that make for great online communication on your PlayStation 3. Read on to find a pair that’s right for you.
1. PS3 Bluetooth Headset
Sony’s official PS3 Bluetooth Headset is a great entry point for people looking for a lightweight and wireless way to talk to their friends while gaming. The headset hangs from the ear and produces crisp, clear audio, and its noise-cancelling capabilities keep you undistracted and focused on the game. Unfortunately, some users reported it feeling uncomfortable in the ear and the nonadjustable mic volume being too low.
Price: $34.95 (30 percent off MSRP)
Buy the PS3 Bluetooth Headset here.
Pros:
- Official PlayStation 3 headset
- Noise cancelling
- Excellent chat quality
- Cool urban camo design
Cons:
- Uncomfortable on some people
- Have to speak loudly for mic to pick up voice
Find more PS3 Bluetooth Headset information and reviews here.
2. Turtle Beach Ear Force PLa
Turtle Beach headphones are revered for a reason: They’re affordable, stylish and they work. The PLa headphones are a great introductory set for people who want to get more immersed into their game. Independent volume controls make it easy to adjust how loud the game is over your teammates’ chatter, and microphone monitoring allows you to hear how loud you are to others when you talk. The PLa headphones act not as just a communication device but a set of quality speakers as well, making them an awesome pair for the price.
Price: $31.85 (20 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Turtle Beach Ear Force PLa here.
Pros:
- Bass boost
- Volume controls
- Hear what you’re saying through the mic
- USB powered
Cons:
- Loud noises sometimes clip
- Users report they sometimes stop working
Find more Turtle Beach Ear Force PLa information and reviews here.
3. eForCity Silver Bluetooth Headset
The eForCity Sliver Bluetooth Headset is a great, cheap way to start communicating with your PlayStation 3 buddies online. Though somewhat flimsy in design, it does what it needs to do in a comfortable way, and the adjustable microphone and headpiece mean it fits players of all head shapes and sizes. Best of all, if you have other Bluetooth devices, this headset will work with them, too.
Price: $14.91
Buy the eForCity Silver Bluetooth Headset here.
Pros:
- Works on phones, computers and other devices
- Holds charge for eight hours of play
- Rotating, adjustable mic
- USB charging cable
Cons:
- Reports of shocking the ear
- Battery may permanently die after extended use
Find more eForCity Silver Bluetooth Headset information and reviews here.
4. Gioteck EX03 Bluetooth Headset
Like something out of a sci-fi movie, the Gioteck EX03 is a futuristic-looking, on-the-ear headset capable of producing terrific chat audio quality with full sound. With its snakelike microphone and flexible earhook, the EX03 can be adjusted to fit comfortably on your head. LED indication lights let you know when you’re ready to roll, and easy-to-use volume controls put the chat audio at your fingertips. Just don’t misplace the proprietary USB cable used to charge the headset; they’re hard to come by.
Price: $17.89 (40 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Gioteck EX03 Bluetooth Headset here.
Pros:
- Noise canceling
- Crystal clear audio
- Flexible
- Adjustable volume
Cons:
- Hissing noise reported
- Uncomfortable on some people
- Proprietary USB charging cable
Find more Gioteck EX03 Bluetooth Headset information and reviews here.
5. AmazonBasic Headset
The AmazonBasic Headset may be an exclusive Amazon item, but its official Sony licensing gives it credibility. It’s about as basic as it comes, hence the name. You’ve got your single headphone speaker, a USB power cable, an adjustable microphone, an over-the-head headpiece, a mute button and volume controls, all in a plain yet eloquent black color. If you’re a simple gamer, this is the headset for you.
Price: $19.99 (20 percent off MSRP)
Buy the AmazonBasics Headset here.
Pros:
- Long cable
- Simple and intuitive
- USB powered
- Comes in simple packaging
Cons:
- Flimsy
- May slide off head